Addressing a gathering of BTC Urdu teachers here on Saturday, Khan said that instead of concentrating on leading five-time prayers at the Jama Masjid, Bukhari had targeted Yadav. Cautioning Muslims about his approach, Khan said that Bukhari had openly supported the BJP in 2004 Lok Sabha election, and the NDA government had given him two petrol pumps and two gas agencies in Delhi.

He said that Muslims should keep watch on these people who had been trying to mislead them in the State. Khan said that Yadav had protected the community in every difficult situation and Muslims could never forget his role in saving the Babri Mosque on October 30, 1990. “He is the saviour of Muslims,” Khan said and added that it was high for the Muslims time to pay back.

The minister also condemned the drive to tarnish the image of Muslims after recent Mumbai blasts. He said that Indian Muslims were peace loving and Islam was against terrorism. “Those resorting to terrorism are worse than beast,” Khan said. Earlier, Family Welfare Minister Ahmad Hasan and Labour Minister Dr Waqar Shah also lauded the services of Yadav to Muslims.

Basic Education Minister Kiran Pal Singh, enumerating the achievements of his department during the last three years, said so far 8000 Urdu teachers had been appointed. He said that with full infrastructure facilities available in schools in the State, moves were afoot to improve the quality of the education.